The anticipation was agonizing for the dozens of children from infants to 10 whose chubby hands clutched bags, buckets and baskets ready for the gathering.

Two high school students kept watch at the gate, ensuring no one got onto the stadium field until the appointed time.

Some would-be egg hunters sat at tent-covered tables and colored drawings of Peter Cottontail while they waited. Others stood next to two human-sized versions of the Easter bunny and had their photos taken. There was also a bouncy house to distract the kids until the hunt began.

All were anxious for the annual festivities to begin.

Just before noon, organizers — parks and recreation employees — called for the kids to line up. High school students led the eager hunters and gatherers onto the field, which was drawn off into sections according to age group.

Minutes later, a siren blasted from a fire truck signaling the start of the hunt. The squealing masses burst onto the field, scooping up plastic eggs and pouches of jelly beans.